COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced last week, two individuals were sentenced to prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. 43-year old Erik M. Barber, of Council Bluffs, and 36-year old Lacey Jo Smalley, of Clarinda, were sentenced to prison for 18 years and 16 years, respectively. Previously, the Court sentenced the leader of the conspiracy, Jason Paul Rodriguez, to 30 years in prison on March 12, 2020.

Authorities say Rodriguez organized and led the large-scale drug trafficking operation from 2016 until his arrest in April 2019. Rodriguez and his co-conspirators distributed more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine in Omaha and Western Iowa. Barber was a major distributor of methamphetamine for Rodriguez.    Smalley was also one of Rodriguez’s primary distributors.

The sentencings were the result of a lengthy investigation by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement originating in Page County regarding distribution of methamphetamine delivered
from Council Bluffs, Iowa. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez, Barber, Smalley, and others were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in numerous locations throughout Southwest Iowa and Omaha.

This matter was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Clarinda Police
Department, Page County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.